Six Simple Tips for Great Skin by New Year's Eve

As luck would have it, most people seem to experience skincare problems just when they want to look their best. Everyone can relate to waking up with a huge zit right at the tip of their nose, or huge dark circles under the eyes—the list goes on. With the New Year right around the corner, your clients might be panicking about getting their skin ready for a night on the town. There are, however, pre-emptive measures one can take to prep for the big night. We turned to Manish Shah, M.D., a Denver board-certified plastic surgeon for guidance on what to do without breaking the bank or having invasive surgery.

Extractions by a Licensed Esthetician: Remind clients to schedule their facials with you before the new year. Try offering last-minute specials to get clients in the door before 2019. “When done correctly, extraction facials can clear closed comedones, remove whiteheads and blackheads, and give your skin a newer, fresher foundation for your skincare products to penetrate,” says Shah. “Basically, extractions can be the kiss of life for your lifeless broken out skin.”

Drink Alcohol in Moderation: If clients plan on ringing into 2019 with a few glasses of bubbly, Shah recommends moderating your alcohol consumption leading up to the big day. “Alcohol can dehydrate the skin and cause it to appear less fresh and vibrant, which can certainly hinder your skincare efforts,” says Shah.

Cleanse your Face Every Night:  While clients might be tempted to flop into bed without washing their face after a late night out, remind them not to do it! According to Shah, “sun damage isn’t the only environmental factor you have to worry about. Small micro particles from air pollutants might just hurt your skin, too. Play it safe by remembering to take a minute to cleanse your face to remove debris that could be weakening your skin. In addition, that foundation and pressed powder you have been wearing all night can clog your pores and cause breakouts.”

Start Exfoliating: Clients looking for brighter, younger-looking skin? While you can work your magic with facials, let them know that skincare starts with a great at home exfoliator. Shah explains that, “as your skin replenishes itself, dead skin cells start to build up on the top layer, leaving you looking dull. Exfoliating regularly removes this layer, revealing fresh, healthy skin. Regular exfoliation also allows your moisturizer and other topical products to penetrate more deeply, making them more effective.” 

Clean Your Makeup Brushes: You would not eat food on dirty dishes, would you? Applying makeup with dirty brushes is not so different. Not only will dirty brushes give you a spotty application, but they can harbor bacteria, dirt and oil, leading to acne and breakouts which necessitates piling on even more makeup to cover it up.

Moisturize: It may seem obvious, but when it comes to dewy, glowing skin, moisturizing is essential. "When your skin is dry, it looks dull, so hydrating ingredients can help bring back that glow," says Shah. For skin types already prone to shine, adding moisture may seem like the last thing you need, but an oil-free hydrator with ingredients like hyaluronic acid could actually help reduce your sebum production and even out slickness into a sleek glow.


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